Israel tours & travel

Israel has thousands of years of contrast. It’s an ancient and holy land for three of the world’s major religions and a beacon of modernity in the Middle East.

Travellers come to Israel expecting to see an age-old world, the cradle of Judaism and Christianity. They walk through the Old City of Jerusalem, treading the footsteps of King Herod and Jesus of Nazareth, and find themselves steeped in spiritualty. But these wonders are not the end of Israel’s appeal. In Tel Aviv, art and culture spews from the streets, cafes call and beaches sparkle. It’s an astounding dichotomy; Israel’s two worlds, two millennia apart.

Israel travel highlights

Touch the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem’s Old City

It was once part of a structure surrounding the Second Temple. Today it’s the holiest site in Jerusalem.

Israel tour reviews

fernando ulloa

Traveling is a fun way appreciating different cultures, comprehending their history, tasting different flavors, listening to great music and seeing what I won't see at home. Peregrine has helped me to expand my horizons.

Peter Hanrahan

Although not as personable as the Jordan excursion, the depth of history and range of sites to explore was amazing. The lack of conflict resolution becomes real as you encounter the historical and present day dilemma of life.

Review submitted 28 Sep 2016

Israel trip reviews

Our Israel trips score an average of 4.75 out of 5
based on 8 reviews in the last year.

Israel facts

Local culture of Israel

Local culture of Israel

The modern state of Israel was established as a home for Jews after the tragedy of world war two. Although it’s officially a Jewish state, it’s still home to a small percentage of Muslim and Christian people. Israelis enjoy a modern society very much like mainland Europe, with plenty of nightlight, art and culture. Differences in social etiquette may make Israelis seem impolite by Western standards, but Israelis are also friendly and hospitable. When visiting religious sites, it’s important to dress appropriately – hats for men and covered shoulders for women and no shorts for either.

Geography & environment

Geography & environment

Israel is situated on the very eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It shares borders with Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and West Bank, Egypt and the Gaza Strip. It contains the Jordan River and the Sea of Galilee, a large fresh water lake famous for connecting the ancient worlds of Egypt and Greece and Rome. Perhaps the most famous of Israel’s geographical feature is the Dead Sea, which at its deepest is the lowest point on the Earth’s surface. Israel also has the unique makhtesh formations, enormous bowls in the earth that make fascinating terrain for exploration.

Shopping guide to Israel

Shopping guide to Israel

Israel offers exciting shopping opportunities, from markets and bazaars to high-end designer retail. In the Old City of Jerusalem, you’ll find crammed alleys filled with local stalls selling coloured shawls, scarves and bags, ornaments made of wood, blown glass items and even historical artifacts. There’s also the Malha Mall in Jerusalem, the biggest mall in the Middle East. Tel Aviv, Israel’s most modern city, has an art fair on Binyamin Nakhlat every two weeks, and plenty of streets specializing in products such as spices, fabrics and modern art.

Israel festival calendar

Israel festival calendar

Passover

Perhaps the most important Jewish holiday, this period celebrates the liberation of the Jews and the exodus from Egypt. Much ritual preparation goes into the event, which culminates in feasting and reciting of sacred stories.

Pentecost

This holiday marks the time when God gave the Jewish people the Torah. Families get together to enjoy traditional foods. Please note that public services, and businesses may be affected due to Pentecost and the aforementioned Passover.

Taste of the City

Ta’am Ha’ir or Taste of the City is exactly what it sounds like: a food festival showcasing hundreds of the best restaurants across Tel Aviv. It’s a great way to delve into Israeli and Middle Eastern cuisine.

Food & drink in Israel

Food & drink in Israel

Your Israel trip will give you the opportunity to try some of the local cuisine. Common lunchtime foods include falafel, which is a fried chickpea ball served in flat bread. It’s often accompanied by a herb salad called tabuleh and humus or chickpea paste. For dinner, you might like to try the traditionally grilled barbecue meats, and some baklava or pastry with nuts and syrup for desert. Many Jews follow a religious diet called kashrut, where they are forbidden from eating pork and shellfish. You may find these restrictions on the menus of some restaurants.

It is important to be aware that many Arab and Islamic countries deny entry to any person that has evidence of a visit to Israel. Syria, Iran, Libya and several other countries are included in this list. If you are planning to visit any of these countries with the same passport you must request that your Israeli ‘tourist visa’ be stamped on a loose leaf ‘Form 17 L’ instead of in your passport. Likewise, if entering Israel through the land borders with Jordan please ask the Jordanian officials not to stamp an exit stamp in your passport. If you have evidence in your passport of visits to certain Islamic countries, Israeli border officials will scrutinize you regarding the purpose of your visit to Israel. They can sometimes appear difficult and the delay can be lengthy however patience and a friendly demeanor are advised.

Mobile phone coverage is good in Israel’s major centres but may be unreliable in rural and remote places. Remember to activate global roaming with your provider if you wish to use your mobile while traveling.